Disney has given Star Wars fans a Summer surprise by airing the premiere for Season 2 of Star Wars Rebels before if comes back for the rest of the season in fall.

In this episode, Matthew Rushing is joined by fellow rebel John Mills to break down the Star Wars Rebels Season 2 premiere. We discuss our first reactions, the weight of Vader, an Inquisitor question, what the heck happened to Darth Maul, being in an Empire Strikes Backs state of mind, Lando, the apprentice lives, bringing Obi-Wan in, who survives, more character discussions, Ezra, the music in the show, and our final thoughts.

Originally published as The 602 Club Supplemental 5: Holy Shiitake Mushrooms!

In 1999, the dark times for Star Wars fans came to an end. George Lucas, inspired by the work of Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park, decided that technology had caught up to his vision for the Prequels. When the movie was released the reaction of the public was varied to say the least.

In this episode, Matthew Rushing is joined by Bruce Gibson, John Mills, and Michael Schindler to talk about The Phantom Menace. We look back at our Episode I experiences, going backward in the timeline, new and old, Qui-Gon, Ewan McGregor, Yoda, symbiosis, music, production, and our final thoughts.

Originally published as The 602 Club 36: House of Cards in a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Podcasting can be a lonely business, sometimes you're just not sure who is listening or what they think about the show. At other times podcasting puts you in touch with the coolest, most wonderful people you'd never have met otherwise.

In this very special episode, Matthew Rushing and John Mills are joined by ILM’s Nic Anastassiou, who is also a 602 Club listeners. Nic works for ILM and was also an editor on The Clone Wars. We discuss with Nic our first contact, his coming to Star Wars, a toy story, the path to ILM, editing with Dave and George, his journey to The Clone Wars, favorite edits and moments, what makes The Clone Wars special, different ways to view the show, last moments with George and finding Nic online.

Originally published as The 602 Club 32: Three Boys Playing With Toys.